Sciatica is a pain that can cause tingling, numbness or weakness in the legs.  The pain may originate by a pinched nerve in the back and travel down to the back of the leg. Symptoms may include:

• Pain on one side of the buttocks or in one leg
• Burning or tingling down the leg
• Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• A constant pain on one side of the rear
• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk

Likely tests: The doctor will likely take an MRI and have physical evaluations done.

Treatment options: Treatments may include medication, exercise or use of a heating pad.  Surgical procedures such as microdiscectomy, lumbar laminectomy or discectomy may be required. In many cases, if a patient rests for a few days, the condition will improve independently.

Typical recovery time: For minor cases, recovery may last only a few days.  For more severe cases of sciatic pain, recovery may take up to a few months.

For more information please visit the following sites:
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000686.htm

Ask your doctor about a referral to Dr. Masaki Oishi at Neurosurgical Associates, or contact our office at 254-772-6760.